‘Competitor’ Giroud wants regular playing time at Chelsea

‘Competitor’ Giroud wants regular playing time at Chelsea

Olivier Giroud has cast doubt over his Chelsea future after insisting he has no intention of settling for the role of Premier League substitute.

The France World Cup winner continued his fine Europa League form by hitting a hat-trick in Thursday’s 5-0 demolition of Dynamo Kiev, which completed an 8-0 aggregate win.

But the 32-year-old striker, whose Stamford Bridge contract expires at the end of the season, has been restricted to just six top-flight starts under Blues head coach Maurizio Sarri and has played only 56 minutes in the league in 2019.

Chelsea, who have been drawn to face Slavia Prague in the last eight of the Europa League, hold an option to extend the former Arsenal player’s deal by a further 12 months.

His treble in the Ukrainian capital means he is the tournament’s top scorer with nine goals in as many appearances.

Despite reaching the latter stages of his career, Giroud remains driven and feels he is capable of continuing at the top level for at least another few seasons.

Giroud was part of the France team which won the World Cup last summer (Owen Humphreys/PA)

“I’m 32 but I’m still young. I feel very well physically,” he continued.

“When I do the tests on the treadmill I have to say that I have one of the best tests (at the club).

“I have the motivation to carry on. Some of the boys asked me why I didn’t retire with the national team after the World Cup, but I’m still hungry and I know how much I will miss football after my career.

“I want more and more. I think I have a few nice years in front of me.”

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